Decisions about the application

The best choice for me was cambridge because i liked their teaching style, facilities, general atmosphere and social atmosphere better than oxford.

Why did you choose this college/make an open application?

Large college with good facilities and excellent teaching body.

Preparation

Did your school/college give you any extra tuition or help prior to your interview or application? yes

I received two practice interviews and some general help on parts of the interview and ucas application form.

Do you have any advice for future applicants in terms of preparation?

Oxbridge forms – keep them neat and dont go over the top on the personal statement addition part. Do a lot of reading (financial current affairs) and concentrate on at least one book to read (I recommend Schumacher’s ‘Small Is Beautiful’).

Interview

Did you have to sit any pre-interview exams (LNAT/BMAT/..)? no

Did you have to submit any written work prior to the interview? no

Did you have to take any exams as part of your interview(s)? no

How was/were in general your interview(s)?

The general interview went excellently. The specialist interview was very difficult and it pushed me very had. I made a couple of mistakes but they were received well and it seemed that i was not penalised for them.

Please comment further on any particular aspects/topics of your interview(s).

Two main areas were discussed: the Euro and EMU; and the railway networks (i.e.Railtrack).

What did you wear to your interview(s), and why?

Formal dress (suit,shirt,tie,etc.) because I felt this was the only way to look the ‘part’.

Impressions

What was your general impression of the college that you applied to/any others you visited?

A very grand college which has a friendly and nice atmosphere.

If seen, please describe the college accommodation eg. size of rooms, facilities.

Excellent, a lot better than most other colleges.

How was the food provided by the college?

Good

How did you find the tutors in the college?

A young and friendly faculty in Economics. Generally the teaching staff comprised from the overtly intellectual to the friendly and more ‘down-to-earth’.

Generally, what were the college students like (from what you saw of them)?

Pleasant and ‘normal’ like most other universities.

Final stage

Please describe what happened when you received the letter/the call telling you whether you had a place or not.

I was quite happy that I received the offer.

Looking back

If you were to re-live that year of your life again, would you still apply?

Yes, I was an involving and interesting experience. It helped me see properly what the course had to offer.

What advice do you have for potential applicants based on your experiences?

Be yourself and dont be nervous at the interview.

Suggested Resources:

Gain access to tutors at the leading Oxbridge Applications Consultancy firm